DanielB

I have used Brightline many times from Fort Lauderdale to Miami.  Next month we are taking it from Orlando to Fort Lauderdale as it was cheaper and more direct flights into MCO.  

I have tried the 15% discount code and it does not work for some reason but I am sure you could call and have it added.  We have 5 people so receive 25% off the fare from MCO this coming trip.  

The app and website do need some work though.  

Not sad to see B&J go and JR can head that direction as well IMO.

For me, where did all the cows go?  Where will they show up?  I hope they were kept and will become Easter Eggs of the past at some point on ships.

The survey is not in-depth and quite generic IMO.  They doesn't seem they want true opinions.  I do not buy that they are having the highest ratings ever.

7 hours ago, Monicaicg said:

I finally got through to Costco.  I guess they have to book our Nextcruise by calling Royal.  Yes, Costco was our named travel agent.  I’m still waiting on hold while they book it.  

Just off Symphony with a COSTCO reservation and when I used the NextCruise desk I filled out the paperwork and had the 2 new cruises moved to MEI and my agent Beth.  The cash card is not worth it for never getting ahold of them and Beth is so responsive to calls and emails.  

19 minutes ago, YouthD said:

Guess Hairspray isn't a priority for Royal...

They have a new cast in rehearsals, this cast was to go until June.  I’m sorry but I disagree with you as they are doing the best they can and more than likely the next cast had signed contracts in place before they lost so many cast from the current show.  Entertainment cast is not just plug and play and it doesn’t happen overnight.  
 

1 hour ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

So there are Hairspray cast on board now who are not even doing the show ?

Yes, the remains of the cast.  They said they lost a lot of cast but still are able to do Flight.  

Spoke to some of the current hairspray cast and their contract is until June so they do not anticipate the show restarting much before that date as the new cast will come onboard toward the end of their contract.  

It is not currently open.  Sailing on her currently.  

12 hours ago, Pooch said:

Many pinnacles wear their gold name tags. I saw quite a few.  Frankly I think they’re pretty silly.  Put my pin on every morning??  Heck I’m happy I remember my underwear!!!!  Hubby wants one though

I like to call them billboards....they are certainly proud of them and it is quite an accomplishment but silly IMO.

2 hours ago, twangster said:

Found it on this website:

https://www.cruisetimetables.com/full-cruise-ship-charters.html

 

Looks like you can blame Atlantis

https://atlantisevents.com/navigator-mexico-cruise

 

Looks like it's an 80's cruise charter

https://the80scruise.com/

 

And the prices are extremely high, and many rooms types are sold out.  Good for them....looks like a fun time.

4 hours ago, Vancity Cruiser said:

Just got notice that our October 21st Navigator (rare seven night itinerary) has been chartered

we have been given some options but since most Navigator sailings are 3 and 4 nights the 7 night options are several weeks outside of the original date. It was supposed to be our anniversary cruise. Oh well, first world problems

My March 3, 2023 7 night Navigator was also chartered.  Seems charters on Navigator are popular in CA.

Knew it would happen sooner or later....I personally loved the crew serving but I did miss finding that perfect crispy bacon.  

10 hours ago, Kevisma said:

It's only Day 2 of my cruise and all I can say is the service is lack luster and disappointing.  I'm a Diamond C&A member and Signature Casino Royale member. Since the "comeback" I've been on a cruise every month starting in October 2021 and have no less than one scheduled every month until September 2022.  Sadly this trip on Symphony has been the worst of all my trips so far.  I understand Royal is increasing the number of on board guests in increments but if your going to increase the guests, you need to increase the staff.  Symphony is the first  cruise where I can't get a seat at a show (which I had a reservation for), can't get quality service in the clubs and when you go to the bars directly the wait is long.  The food in the main dining room has been sub par, even at Chops the steak had no flavor.  It's only day 2.  I've never been more ready to just go home.  Worst cruise ever! Hopefully Royal Caribbean gets it together or I'll be forced to move on and cancel my future booking.  Seriously it's that bad.

Sorry you are experiencing this and hope it gets better for you.  We sail on Symphony in a few weeks, we will enjoy our selves regardless and make the most of it.

I know when I was on Oasis in December the staff was overwhelmed with the guests, but always doing their best.  Now not only is Royal rebounding from COVID and staffing the ships but also putting Wonder into service.  Not giving excuses but the drain is real.  

Enjoy the rest of your trip.

30 minutes ago, twangster said:

In Uber search for "Miami cruise terminal A" .  It's important to pick the right terminal in the Uber or Lyft app.  

There is a scam going around where you pick something close then tell the driver to go where you really want to go.  Later you file a complaint and tell Uber the driver refused to go where you wanted.  Uber cancels the ride and screws the driver out of the fare.  For this reason most Uber drivers will only go exactly where you requested in the app.  By following the app and ignoring verbal requests they can't get scammed and screwed out of the ride.  

Wow, pay for a cruise but screw the Uber driver.  

1 hour ago, Sam D said:

The app says we need to go to 1015 North America Way. However this looks like the entry to the port. Do we set a Uber to here or straight to Terminal A?

It's an easy ride, just do Terminal A and you are all set.  If the driver misses a turn you will get an intimate tour of the port.  

It does show sold out for our sailing....weird that Odyssey can purchase it though.  

Not sure if calling would help or not.

Good luck!

10 minutes ago, JohnK6404 said:

Hi Ashley! Our friend did wind up sailing solo in a double occupancy cabin. We just had her husband no-show at the pier, but Royal insists she is only entitled to her points (not double for being a solo). She went to Guest Services while onboard, called CS after we came home, and I just sent an IM through Facebook... all are claiming the same. 

 

Has anyone experienced this and do you have any recommendations!

Thanks in advance! 

This also happened to me in Feb 2020 and I just gave up fighting for the extra point.  Crown and Anchor was no help either.  I posted my experience here but it was quickly shot down that Royal was wrong.  

I absolutely love working with my MEI agent Beth Dickerson.  Even though she is my agent and controls the reservation(s) I feel we work as a team.  There are times I find a lower price and just send an email and there are times she surprises with an email saying she found a lower price.  She is currently on vacation and I emailed her with a question, received an automated email back with contact info of another agent if needed.  It was not anything earth shattering so was just gonna wait until she returns on Friday and low and behold she replied to the email from vacation.

I have used travel agents in the past and they never work out as they are not prompt.  That is certainly not the case with MEI and Beth.

27 minutes ago, Egeria said:

Well that explains the issue I ran into trying to book for Oct 24. The Conrad was not available on the Hilton app, but was available on third party booking sites. 

Conrad still shows as available to book for my December stay.  Shame as the Hilton Downtown is a poor example of a Hilton IMO.  

I love the Conrad but unfortunately received email last night that my December stay was cancelled as the hotel was sold and no longer a Hilton/ Conrad.

https://loyaltylobby.com/2021/10/07/conrad-miami-exits-hilton-system-on-october-18-2021/

Thought a few others here may find the info useful.  

I sail Oasis this Sunday and got my upgrade email  at 11:50a this morning.  I see others on FB have posted that they have received theirs as well.  I am no expert at all just sharing.

Oasis worked for me but did not work for Symphony last week.  Part of the slow down in Miami seems to have been taking all the vaccination card photos.

4 hours ago, Jill said:

@DanielBhow was your boarding? 

Left hotel at 1130 and at port around 1145 for a 12p boarding time.  3 lines of people 12-1, 1-2 and 2-3 with long lines in each.  Our line started moving promptly at 12p and we walked on the ship at 12:45.  Outside the doors is a cluster and the check in was slow.  Check in agent scanned passports and retook all photos…she was training someone and said she always does that to ensure they are correct.  IMO this really slows the process down.  I heard from many that shortly after the wheels fell off and the check in process was terribly slow with many noon check ins not boarding until we’ll after 1.  All in all for us all it wasn’t horrible and but certainly areas of opportunity.  

I know I have seen several people ask about the Key onboard as they are currently still selling it in Cruise Planner.  I have a buddy sailing next week who purchased the Key and received the following email that he shared with me.  I asked earlier in the cruise about the Key and was told that it was cancelled through 2020 but it appears to be starting again next week on Symphony.  Hope this info helps someone.

Brian Leavitt- cruise director onboard currently posted on Facebook just today that they were doing show install for Flight.  Not sure how long that takes but should be added soon enough.  I am amazed at what they have been able to do with the restart…usually they practice at the studios in Miami for months before boarding.   
 

I love Flight myself!   

I have a cruise leaving this Saturday (Symphony) and one in October (Oasis)  and neither were updated to ask for a picture.  I keep checking almost daily and still nothing and my app is the latest version.